Rhopalapion longirostre

Length 2.5-3.75mm. Grey dark body with orangish-colored legs. Long, slender rostrum (snout), antennae are jointed and positioned halfway along the snout. 

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. 

Prefers plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), with hollyhock (Alcea rosea) being the most commonly utilized host. Often found in gardens, on road verges and disturbed areas. 

Females use their long rostrum (snout) to drill through the thick sepals and lay eggs deep inside flower buds. Larvae hatch inside the buds, migrate to the ovary, and consume developing seeds before pupating inside the seedpod. Adults typically overwinter in soil and debris. 

First recorded in the UK in 1987 but now widespread in southeast England. Originally native to southern and southeastern Europe and Asia Minor. 

Uncommon.